COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I am starting pulmonary rehab next week and want to know what to expect. Most importantly will this make a significant difference with emphysema? I have severe emphysema stage three almost stage four.
There will be a team that will work together to create and implement a treatment plan to meet your personal needs . Included willl probably be physical, respiratory, nutritional and they may also offer short term counseling to assist with the emotional issues surrounding this illness.
The exercises that you will be asked to do , both physical and respiratory, will help you manage each day by improving your endurance.
The first week or so may be difficult for you but but after that you start to feel better and stronger and you enjoy sharing this with those aroound you.
I don't know how long you rehab will be but try not to miss a session and they will encourage you to continue whatever you can after your rehab ends. Believe them when they say continue doing whatever you can at home.
Hope you enjoy this as it does make a huge difference in your strength and ability to function each day.
Best to you, wish I could join you.:)))
Ih has been recognized as one of the best management tools in keeping us out of the hospital but unfortunately, there are too many restrictions connected to running these rehab clinics just now.
Hello, How are you feeling? I hope you are gettting better each day.
Thank you for the information on rehab. My first pulmonologist never even mentioned it. I am excited about starting and hope it will help.
Please let me know how you are doing.
Karen
My first pulmonologist did not tell me either. It was at the recommendation of a respiratory therapist that I had come into contac with. You are fortunate that there is one available where you live.
Have a good go at it, And you will enjoy and notice a huge difference as you move along.:)
Yes it will make a big difference I'm sure, I am about to post this link separately, but check it out - viewing to the part about pulmonary rehabilitation:
http://www.webmd.com/lung/video/living-with-copd
Exercise needs to be an ongoing thing throughout our COPD life its one of the main things we can do for ourselves in order to give ourselves the opportunity to enjoy the best quality of life, even with COPD.
Enjoy your PR course.
Peta x
I did 8 weeks of pulmonary rehab last summer at The Ohio State University. ( You have to use THE) Anyways it was 3 days a week. We had class time where we talked to people about the disease, nutrition & whatever. The rest of the time exercise. When I was done they gave me an exercise routine to follow. I really enjoyed it. Especially the company. I could've done their maintenance program if I lived closer to the city or hubby was retired. They will give you a series of tests..PFTs, stress test & 6 minute walk. If you can do it, it is definitely worth it :>))
Our program was much like Kaput mentioned, however, we weren't given PFT's etc. Those were given by our individual doctors. Several in our group were in the same stage as you, most wore oxygen, and all enjoyed it! Bet you do, too!
Enjoy
x x Peta x x
Karen